Think you have this promotion stuff down pat??

Then prove it!

This bit of news about another contest just passed across my desk and I thought I would add it to the others I've already listed:

Reach for the Stars: A Contest for the Best Frugal Promoter of 2005

Public relations is neither advertising nor free ink. It is the dissemination of information that sets a standard for how you would like to be perceived. First and foremost, it must be undertaken with the highest ethical standards.

Star Publish and Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the award-winning "The Frugal Book Promoter: How to do what Your Publisher Won't," will give writers a chance to prove their promotion mettle.

With their first-ever contest, they will award prizes and publish the winners' entries in an e-book designed to help other writers hone their public relations skills and encourage those who are not promoting to better realize their publishing goals. As a service, the e-booklet will be given to any writer who would like a copy.

Six winners will be chosen. First place winner receives $50, a free e-copy of "The Frugal Book Promoter: How to do what Your Publisher Won't" by Howard-Johnson, and will be honored by having his/her promotion plan published in the e-book along with either a headshot or a book cover shot and a biography.

The others will be similarly published and will receive a copy of The Frugal Book Promoter which David Herrle, editor of SubtleTea.com called "The Frugal Promo Bible."

The handling fee for entering the contest is $5.00. Deadline: Oct. 30, 2005

For guidelines and an entry form writers should go to http://starpublish.com/

[Note: inclusion does not mean endorsement--please read all rules]

Think your work is the BEST???

If so, then here's a couple contests which you may consider participating in so that your wonderful work can earn the recognition it rightly deserves:


EPPIE AWARDS FOR ELECTRONICALLY PUBLISHED WORKS

The 2006 EPPIE awards will be open for entries from September 1, 2005 to October 7, 2005.

Awarded yearly by EPIC (the Electronic Published Internet Connection: The Voice of E-Publishing) this contest is judged by e-book authors, publishers, and industry professionals.

Any e-book released between October 1, 2004 and September 30, 2005, with or without a paper release accompanying it, is eligible for the EPPIE. A book may be entered by the author or the publisher. All e-books are welcome: NY published, small press, vanity/subsidy and self-published.

Entry Fee: $20.00 for EPIC Members, $30.00 for Non-Members

You can find the complete rules at: http://www.epicauthors.com/eppierules2006.html


TOM HOWARD/JOHN H. REID POETRY CONTEST

This contest is sponsored by Tom Howard Books, and is assisted by Winning Writers.

Postmark Deadline: September 30

Prizes of $1,000, $400, $200, plus four Encouragement Awards of $100 each.

Winning entries will be published. Submit poems in any style or genre. You may submit work that has been published or won prizes elsewhere, as long as you own the anthology and online publication rights.

Entry fee is $5 for every 25 lines, payable to Winning Writers. Submit online or by mail.

Winning Writers is one of the "101 Best Web Sites for Writers" (Writer's Digest, 2005).

More information: www.winningwriters.com

[please note: inclusion does not mean i am endorsing either of these events--please read all rules and requirements carefully]

Want a Fre*e Book by a Major Author!

Here's a great way to both support a major author (who is in his own way helping to promote the self-publishing movement) all while getting a whole book for free!

Steal This Book. Or at Least Download It Free.
By Claudia H. Deutsch


"Warren Adler, the author of [27 books including] "The War of the Roses," is self-publishing his new novel electronically and e-mailing it free, a chapter at a time, to anyone who asks."

"Fogies (like this reporter) who still want the feel of pages 'can always print the chapter out,' he (Adler) said. 'The main thing is, give readers a new book for free, and they might go back and buy some of the former books.'"

[great marketing ploy, btw]

"The way Mr. Adler, 77, sees it, portable electronic readers will soon do to paper books what the Walkman and iPod did to boomboxes."

And Adler noted, "during a recent lunch at Pigalle, a French restaurant in Manhattan's theater district, 'Print publishing has had a great 500-year run, but the print book is morphing into the screen book."

But, I won't tell you the rest, you'll have to read it for yourself.

This is a great article about an author who although has been there and done that still has enough gumption to go ahead and give us independent authors a boost by letting us know that even the "old dogs can learn new tricks."

Check it out, it's definitely a story not to miss!

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/21/business/
yourmoney/21lunch.htmlex=1282276800&en=457d
8673860ec832&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

Amazon's a Publisher!

In an interesting turn of events that may hopefully strengthen the digital/e-book publishing field, the almighty Amazon it seems has now become in itself a frontline publishing entity.

From an article in the recent Publisher's Weekly Daily, Jim Milliot reports:

"Amazon.com is officially a publisher. The company finally unwrapped a program that showcases, and sells short magazine-like work from established authors."

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6249672.html
?display=breaking

To give you a few quick details about the program:

"Amazon Shorts are never-before-seen short works from a wide variety of well-known authors, available only on Amazon.com."

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/13993911/
ref%3Dshrt%5Fsu%5F/104-0360456-2903925

But, looking a little deeper, I found this little tidbit of information which might actually change the program as time goes on to include authors who aren't yet in the top echelon. Just check this out:

"Amazon Shorts features previously unpublished short-form literature for sale exclusively at Amazon.com. Fiction and nonfiction pieces on a wide variety of topics are available in a digital format only for just $0.49. This is a great way for authors to maintain a more direct and frequent communication with their readers as well as promote their backlist."

Accepted Material:

"Any previously unpublished short-form work (2,000 - 10,000 words, fiction or nonfiction) you've created that your readers would find interesting."

"Can anyone submit an Amazon Short? We are accepting work from a diverse group of authors. If you are an agent, author, publisher, or editor, and you would like to be considered for inclusion in this program, please contact us."

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/feature/-/570212/
ref=amb_left-2_67018301_1/104-0360456-2903925

So, when you get a few moments, go check it out-it might off you another outlet for your smaller works!

Great Op While Helping a Fellow Writer!

Looking for a low-cost critique from a notable agent, editor, or author? Want some professional help with your work? Perhaps looking for a great autographed collectible?

Then don't miss this auction currently underway at E-Bay.

With prices currently ranging from a mere $.99 to well over $900, it's a chance at an opportunity to get your work in front of someone who might not look at it otherwise!

This is a charity auction for "author, Marianne Mancusi, [who] returned home to find that lightning had struck her home while she was gone, and it burned to the ground. She lost everything. Luckily, her dog was staying with Marianne’s mom, so there is at least a silver lining there, but Marianne is basically starting over from scratch."

Link below:

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZmariannefirefund

Some offerings:

Manuscript Critque from Steven Axelrod
Top agent who represents such NY Times bestselling authors as
Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jayne Ann Krentz, Julia Quinn,
Suzanne Brockmann, and Christine Feehan

Manuscript Critque by Beth de Guzman
Editorial Director, Mass Market division, Warner Books

Manuscript Critique frm Cindy Hwang
Senior Editor, Berkley

Manuscript Critique from The Ferguson Literary Agency
Representing Contemporary Romance, Traditional, Romantic Comedy, Historical, Regency, Victorian, Medieval, Scottish, Western, Paranormal, Chick Lit, Women's Fiction, Inspirational, and Multi-Cultural

And many, many more listed so make sure you get by and check them out!!

"42,000 copies in six months"

Who says Amazon isn't helping authors?

Offbeat Books Easier Sell in Online Marketplace
By Elizabeth M. Gillespie, Associated Press

It's the classic tale: "Cellular biologist Bruce Lipton holds no fond memories of his early struggles to get his book published. One by one, the big houses in New York looked at "Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter and Miracles," but eventually said no…"

So what's he do? Would you believe, "he signed on with an independent press that relies heavily on Amazon.com … [and] more than 42,000 copies have sold in six months."

Now if that information doesn't peak your interest, what would?

The remainder of the article hits on several fascinating points, but overall most support the original topic that although maybe helping the used book market a little too much, the "Amazon" concept is helping many authors reach and audience they wouldn't find otherwise.

A very interesting read!

http://www.insidebayarea.com/businessnews/onthemove/ci_2943550

The Truth Behind POD Publishing

Are you thinking about using a fee-based POD service? No time to read but want to learn a lot about POD in a very short time? Well, don't miss this:

"The Truth Behind POD Publishing"

From the site: "Print on Demand, POD, Vanity Press, Subsidy Press or whatever you want to call the "pay to be published" publishing industry, it's all the same…"

Featuring an audio seven part series, the aim of this string is to get "to the bottom of the multi-billion dollar 'pay to be published' publishing industry."

Hosted by Ron Pramschufer, the entire "Truth" series comprises of "interviews [with] the former VP of Finance for Xlibris, the presidents of Author House and IUniverse, author Mark Levine, and Jan Nathan, the Executive Director of PMA.

This information is very helpful for any author wanting to explore fee-based publishing however listeners should remember that any publishing experience should be something an author chooses for themselves--not just because someone said it was good or bad--and in doing so should form their own opinion about the industry [not rely on just the opinions presented anywhere, including my own site].

Having seen the extremely good, expected bad, and very ugly in this industry and I've always believed that education is the best guarantee for a successful publishing experience-regardless of the method!

http://www.wbjbradio.com/series/pod.php

Mailbag: Where to Start in Traditional Publishing

"I have 200 copies of (my) book. i have sold all books in the matter of 3 days!! I feel i have a bestseller . i have sold all books in the streets through vendors... The problem is i can only afford 200 books which limits the distribution of such a great book. I need Help!!"

Congratulations on your sales! Sounds like you know your market.

As to your questions, if you are thinking about obtaining a traditional publisher for your work, what I could suggest is that you drop by the local library or book retailer and pick up a copy of the "Writer's Market."

This book will help explain things like query letters and proposals. It will also list most major and small traditional publishers along with their terms, policies, and practices. (FYI: I believe they have another book out that lists many agents as well.)

Read through the information (along with any other good writing/publishing books you find) then go back to your local book retailer and look thru books similar to your own to find out who published them.

Use the info from the WM about querying and send your proposal to the various Publishers and Agents that accept your genre, and you're off to a start.

Also, while you are researching, make sure to visit a few of the better known reference sites and forums that talk about traditional publishing (like Preditors&Editors , Piers Anthony , and AbsoluteWrite.com to name a few). Read through the wealth of free information provided along with any cautions or bewares to help weed out many of the unscrupulous persons and companies before you even query.

There's no guarantee that it will be an easy road or that you will get picked up, but if you work at having a good product and approaching the companies in the right manner, hopefully you'll get what you're wanting!


P.S.: And to add to this commentary, here's a random small selection of books you may want to look for while you're researching (no specific order):

* 2005 Guide to Literary Agents (Guide to Literary Agents) by Kathryn S. Brogan
* 2005 Writers Market (Writer's Market) by Kathryn S. Brogan
* Agents, Editors and You: The Insider's Guide to Getting Your Book Published (Writers Market Library) by Michelle Howry
* Getting Your Book Published for Dummies by Sarah Parsons Zackheim
* How to Get Happily Published, Fifth Edition : Complete and Candid Guide, A by Judith Appelbaum
* How to Get Your Book Published: Inside Secrets of a Successful Author by Robert W. Bly
* Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents 2005: Who They Are! What They Want! How to Win Them Over! by Jeff Herman
* Literary Agents: What They Do, How They Do It, and How to Find and Work with the Right One for You, Revised and Expanded by Michael Larsen
* Making the Perfect Pitch: How to Catch a Literary Agent's Eye by Katherine Sands
* Shortest Distance Between You and a Published Book by Susan Page
* The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing a Novel by Thomas Monteleone
* The Publishing Game: Bestseller in 30 Days (The Publishing Game) by Fern Reiss
* The Publishing Game: Publish a Book in 30 Days (The Publishing Game) by Fern Reiss
* Write the Perfect Book Proposal: 10 That Sold and Why, 2nd Edition by Jeff Herman

(And yes, there are plenty more--I'm sure I missed a few--but I'm just offering a real quick listing. Please feel free to mention your favorites in the comments section!)

Press Release How to's!

How To Write A Press Release by Dehanna Bailee

Writing a press release for the first time can be confusing, but it doesn't have to be--and won't--as long as you consider these three aspects: the what, the why, and the how.

Let's start with the 'what'. What is the point of the release? Is it a book signing, new work, great promotional opportunity, or contract? Simplify your task by first identifying the exact idea you are trying to present and use this as your starting point.

The 'why' comes next. Once you have found your focus, consider whether or not your item is actually newsworthy. Be honest with yourself and remember that it isn't appropriate to send a release every time you 'feel the urge'. Keep your news present or future based, and only send releases if the item is something that deserves attention. Rehashing old events will only make editors delete your mailings before they are even read.

Now on to the hard part--the 'how' of assembling a release. Many authors have a tendency to collect a large amount of material and just assemble it all haphazardly into one release, but this is not a good idea. Short and sweet, and to the point is the primary goal. Most editors do not have the time to waste searching through unnecessary information.

Typically, a completed release should fit on one sheet of paper or less, with one-inch margins, using a standard font like Times New Roman set at 12 points. The first part of your release should be a simple line typed in capital letters: "For Immediate Release". This release notice, which is standard on all releases, lets editors know when they can publicize your information. And, since you are trying to present the image of professionalism, it is only appropriate to follow the traditional format.

Second comes your banner or head line. This is the statement placed in the subject line of your release and is the first line of your body. This can be imaginative, and occasionally even somewhat far-fetched as long as it is in keeping with the overall theme of the release. The biggest thing it not to make it too long--not over ten words--or it won't be short enough to be seen by an editor as they skim over their mail. If you're having trouble coming up with a good one-liner, write the body of the release first to see if you can be inspired. You may even be able to use a line from the text.

The next part would be the date of which you are distributing your release, followed by a descriptive paragraph or two describing your event, award, or newest work. This section should be simple, but informative. Excitement is key in order to draw in the reader. You don't want to come across as being boring or monotonous. And remember, if an excerpt is used, select a minimal amount of no more than five or so lines. You are not rewriting your story, only giving a taste. Also, stay away from personalization. Avoid using the terms 'you' and 'I', or writing in the first person. A release is 'about' you or your event, not 'by' you.

The next section should focus on qualifications. In this area, you want to place a short quote about the work, or any other information that supports the main theme of the release. For example, if you are doing a book signing, explain why you were chosen to appear, along with any other special event or bonus that will accompany your appearance. If you have a new release, place a great review that you have received about it. Again, be creative.

The last paragraph should be a condensed biography. This should be something not over ten lines, and although you may want to list as much information as possible, understand that it is not necessary. If an editor is interested, they will contact you for more information. Also, as in the rest of your release, keep it to third person--as if you are writing about another person. First person biographies are an indication of an amateur.

The last inclusion should be your contact information--whether by email, website, or other method. You do not want to forget to place this in your release, for if it is forwarded, reposted, or picked up, you want interested parties to be able to find you down the road. Also, don't forget to place at the end of your release four "pound" symbols. This lets your editor know they have reached the conclusion and that any information below those symbols is not to be included if they opt to use your material.

Once you have assembled all of your release, proofread mercilessly. Remove anything and everything that is not absolutely necessary to getting your point across with a minimal amount of reading. Also, recheck your release for personalization. Keep in mind that optimal releases have a series of roughly four main paragraphs, along with the headline, release notice, and contact line. This gets to the heart of the matter, but saves the editor time and the more you save their time, the more apt they will be to work with you.

As soon as you have your work where you feel comfortable, print it out and do not look at it for at least a day. Then review the printed copy, reading it aloud for consistency and flow. Adjust anything that you find awkward, lacking, or incorrect. Remember, you will only have one shot with your release. Make sure every word counts and that it will give the impression you want before you send it.

Remember, in marketing, the press release can be an effective tool in getting exposure, however if it is not assembled properly, both the time spent and the chance for success will prove fruitless.

(c)2003

P.S.: FYI, This is a "pound" symbol: # # # #